Execution of Mary Queen of Scots

• When was Mary's death warrant signed?

  February 1587
• What plots had Mary been involved in?

  Northern Earls, the Ridolfi Plot, Throckmorton
• What evidence proved Mary's involvement in plots?

  Walsingham's spies uncovered evidence in letters
• Who viewed Mary as a more legitimate queen?

  Catholics
• Why did the execution increase chance of civil unrest?

  It made Elizabeth's succession more uncertain
• How did the execution benefit Elizabeth?

  It removed a very new and potent threat
• How did the execution make Elizabeth vulnerable?

  Mary was an anointed monarch, setting a dangerous precedent
• Why did the execution give Spain more reason to attack England?

  It angered the monarchs who were allied with her
• What was the consequence of executing Mary for Elizabeth?

  It set a dangerous precedent for her own execution